| Regular Meeting September 14, 2010 |
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MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 CALL TO ORDER: The Shenandoah Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., presiding. ATTENDANCE: Council Members present were: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr.; Vice Mayor William Kite; Russell Comer, Jr.; Charles Jenkins; I. Michael Lowe; Richard Pierce; and Keith Sampson. Council Members absent were: None. Citizens present were: Planning Commission Members Guy Monger, Jr and James “Tony” Williams; Carol Lee Strickler; Jackie Staples; Brenda Mercer; Jennifer Bowling; Melvin Bowling; Ron and Annie Schupner; Danny and Dian Shifflett; and James Shifflett. Media Representatives: Joe Farruggia, The Page News & Courier. RECEIVING OF VISITORS # 1 - Mayor Lucas reported Bill Lam won the August 2010 Community Enhancement Award for recent improvements to the home the family owns at 701 Fifth Street. They painted the home, demolished old buildings and removed the debris, and cut trees, which has enhanced the area. Mrs. Brenda Mercer accepted the plaque on behalf of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lam. She thanked Mayor Lucas and the Council for recognizing their efforts to renovate the property. # 2 – Mayor Lucas noted Lily of the Valley Church was the winner of the September 2010 Community Enhancement Award for the addition of a new sanctuary and landscaping at the church, which is located at 426 N. Fifth Street. Vice Mayor Bill Kite accepted the award on behalf of the church and thanked Mayor Lucas and Council Members for this award. # 3 – James Shifflett explained water pressures were tested again on Ramona Avenue and following some adjustments on the valves inside the homes, the meter pressure was 81 lbs. with 61 lbs. inside the homes. Therefore, he requested Council approve his water and sewer tap applications for the last home he plans to construct on Ramona Avenue. A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Lowe, to approve the water and sewer tap applications from James Shifflett at 1025 Ramona Avenue, as presented. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. Vice Mayor Kite inquired if Mr. Shifflett understood this would be the last house constructed in this area, until street and other improvements were made to allow for additional construction on Wahnona Avenue? Mr. Shifflett stated yes, he understood this was the last house he could construct on Ramona Avenue and other improvements would be required prior to additional home construction approvals. # 4 – Ron Schupner and Jennifer Bowling addressed Mayor Lucas and Town Council Members regarding several issues in their neighborhood. Ron Schupner expressed thanks to the Town for installing a drainage pipe on their street to assist with runoff damage to the street. However, he noted the graveled roadway is still eroding, especially during heavy rains. He explained he felt an additional pipe of at least 18 inches is needed to control runoff along with ditches on both sides of the street. Following questions, he noted an oblong culvert pipe would be appropriate for this particular situation and it should be installed at the crest of the hill. Although some Council Members questioned the need for additional piping in this area, Council agreed to review this matter further for an appropriate solution to the continued runoff issues being experienced in this street. Mr. Schupner stated they are experiencing another problem in their neighborhood regarding a property which has overgrown shrubbery and grapevine. He noted his family members and others are having difficulty being able to see other vehicles traveling north on Comer Lane when they are pulling out of Wahnona Avenue onto Comer Lane. He expressed concern someone was going to be injured in a vehicle accident in this area due to the inability to see on-coming traffic. He stated the Town mailed a letter to his neighbor, Sue Shadid, requesting she trim the overgrown vegetation, but it is still an issue with drivers being able to see when pulling out onto Comer Lane from Wahnona Avenue. Chief Monteleone agreed it is difficult to see on-coming traffic if you are trying to pull onto Comer Lane from Wahnona Avenue. He noted he and his officers have spent a minimum of 12 hours responding to calls on this matter from the property owner. Since there have been numerous questions and complaints from both the property owner and the neighbors in this area, he questioned whether the Town or the Virginia Department of Transportation should be handle this matter. It was noted VDOT personnel have looked at this issue, but have not taken any action in the matter yet. It was then discussed Comer Lane was originally platted to be an alleyway, but over the years it was blacktopped by VDOT and accepted into their system for maintenance. However, apparently VDOT does not have any documentation to back up this scenario and is reluctant to take action. Councilman Jenkins inquired if any of the neighbors had contacted the property owner directly? Jennifer Bowling stated Ms. Shadid is currently suing them. She noted Ms. Shadid approached her and asked if the vegetation was okay now, and she responded yes. She noted Ms. Shadid never bothered them and they never bothered her, but she is suing them now anyway. Councilman Comer explained he asked for the Town to write the letter to Ms. Shadid about the overgrown vegetation and now she is claiming someone killed a portion of her grapevine after the letter was written. Mr. Schupner inquired if the Town or VDOT is responsible if someone is injured or killed in an accident when pulling onto Comer Lane from Wahnona Avenue. He noted Wahnona Avenue is not a state maintained street, but apparently Comer Lane is maintained by VDOT. He expressed concern someone is going to get hurt at this intersection due to the inability to see on-coming traffic. The Town Council Members agreed to review this matter further and consult with the Town Attorney if needed. A Motion was made by Councilman Pierce, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes held on August 24, 2010, as presented. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. APPROVAL OF BILLS: Councilman Jenkins inquired about the invoice for exterminator services at Town Hall? Town Manager Dovel explained it was for fleas, cockroaches, and other insects. He noted it is a yearly maintenance routine. He also explained animals are not allowed in Town Hall, except for service animals, and everyone has been advised of this fact now. Members Roll Call Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas and Councilman Jenkins. Councilman Jenkins abstained due to an invoice from his company for computer services. TREASURER'S REPORT: Mayor Lucas read the Treasurer’s report, submitted by Treasurer Cindy Breeden, for September 14, 2010. A Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Councilman Lowe, to approve the September 14, 2010, Treasurer’s report in the amount of $1,261,009.18, as read. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. CORRESPONDENCE Item # 1 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a request to increase the time and street closure until 11 p.m. with a live band playing for the next Cruz In, scheduled for September 24, 2010, at 6 p.m. on First Street. There will also be a bake sale, Chinese auction, raffle, and food sales to benefit the Page County High School baseball field, scoreboard, and concession stand improvements. Additionally, each car owner who registers their vehicle will be in a drawing for two (2) chances to win $100. Mayor Lucas and Council Members authorized extending the time and allowing for the additional activities, including the live band. Item # 2 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received information regarding upcoming computer classes at the Shenandoah Computer Center. The class offerings are as follows: September 20th – Website for Dummies, 5 weeks for $10; September 21st - Windows Tips and Tricks, 5 weeks for $10; September 21st – Introduction to Computers, 5 weeks for $10; September 22nd- Graphic Design, 5 weeks for $25; September 24th – Websites for Nerds, 10 weeks for $25. Item # 3 – Mayor Lucas read information from DEQ regarding a public hearing on October 7, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., in Front Royal for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit for Virginia Electric and Power Company for the proposed combined-cycle, natural gas-fired electric generation facility in Warren County. Councilman Pierce stated he saw people working on the porch and noted it was great to see repairs are finally being made at this property. Councilman Sampson noted the Town will have another project coming up in June for Save the Bay River Cleanup Day. Following a brief discussion, the Town Council declined the offer to participate in this grant due to it not fitting in with the community needs at this time and the short time frame left to accomplish the grants goals. Item # 7 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received the August 2010 Town Vehicle Gasoline Log for review. Item # 8 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received the August 2010 Police Report for review. COMMITTEE REPORTS WATER & SEWER Committee Chairman Kite noted water and sewer tap applications were received from Jeff and Jackie Staples for a new house at the intersection of Shenandoah Avenue and Eighth Street. A Motion was made by Vice Chairman Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to approve the water and sewer tap applications from Jeff and Jackie Staples for a new home at the intersection of Shenandoah Avenue and Eighth Street. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. Jackie Staples thanked Council for the approval and noted they hope to face their new home on Eighth Street. STREETS & PUBLIC PROPERTY Councilman Jenkins inquired about the open culvert pipe or drain on Fifth Street. Town Manager Dovel stated the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is scheduled to replace this culvert tomorrow. He noted VDOT already replaced the one on Eleventh Street. Councilman Jenkins mentioned several of the Town’s road closed signs need to be retrieved from a couple of locations in Town where projects have been completed now. Following questions, Town Manager Dovel noted Charlie Weaver is replacing the drain cover near his property on Tenth Street. He also noted VDOT should be in Town soon to complete some road repairs. Councilman Jenkins requested VDOT do some work on the low area on Maryland Avenue (State Route 602), just below the intersection with Tenth Street, where water pools in the roadway. Town Manager Dovel stated he would ask VDOT to look into this matter when they were in Town doing other street improvements. Mayor Lucas inquired if the Town had received any bids to tar and gravel the road leading to the Tenth Street tank, which would keep the dust down from the water hauling trucks using this unpaved street. Town Manager Dovel stated the last bid was $10,000 to $15,000, but he could obtain another bid from Ran-Mar to determine what the price difference may be now. Councilman Pierce inquired if the water leaking from the trucks had been taken care of now? Town Manager Dovel stated yes, there was no leaking water going onto the Meadows property at all. Following questions on street signs, Town Manager Dovel stated VDOT is supposed to replace all the posts soon and he would request them to install an additional stop sign at Central Avenue and North Second Street. He also noted he would check on the bridge sign replacement too. Councilman Sampson requested new decals be added to all public works vehicles with the Town’s name and logo. POLICE, SAFETY, & JUDICIAL Councilman Pierce stated there seems to be more and more citizens using motorized wheel chairs, scooters, and lawn mowers on Town streets. He expressed concern one of them may be hit by a car when the individuals do not drive on the right side of the road or when they maneuver through Town after dark without lights or reflectors. He requested the Town Police advise the individuals to ride on the right hand side of the road and have reflectors or lights, as required by law, when driving after dark. Mayor Lucas and Council Members agreed this is a safety concern for the individuals using these devices for transportation on the streets and agreed the police officers could request them to ride on the right side of the street and have proper reflectors or lights at night to help prevent them from being hit by a vehicle. TAXATION & FINANCE Committee Chairman Pierce stated the Council received the budget reports through July and August 2010 for review. He noted reports indicate the Town is receiving the revenue from the broadband on schedule now. PARKS & RECREATION Committee Chairman Sampson then reported the following Parks and Recreation News: Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 10th at 6 p.m. at Big Gem Park and will be sponsored by the Town and Shenandoah Indians with caroling by the Christ United Methodist Church Choir; Bids are being obtained for sandblasting and painting the cannon. The cannon wheels have been sent off for repair; They will install signs for the new bike trails at Big Gem Park; The Tennis Association and the Town will sponsor a fall event at Big Gem Park to include haunted hay rides and other activities; 76 children signed up for the kindergarten and girls basketball program; The next Save the Bay River Cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. until Noon on June 4, 2011; Agreed to ask the Shenandoah Recreation League and the Shenandoah Indians representatives to attend the next Town Council meeting to discuss use and schedules of the fields if the stadium is rebuilt; Also, will check to see what can be done about the dust when the ball fields are prepared; Heard the Town was not selected for the Kodak American Greenways Award this year, but was encouraged to reapply next year.
INDUSTRIAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROCUREMENT Committee Chairman Comer noted apparently the Town of Luray has declined the offer to be involved with the Town of Shenandoah, Stanley, and Page County for a property maintenance code. He noted Fifth District Board of Supervisor Member Jeff Vaughan has agreed to set up a meeting to discuss this matter further. He explained the Town can adopt their own property maintenance code, but the County has to give authorization for it first. Following a brief discussion Mayor Lucas and Council Members agreed to request Fifth District Board of Supervisor Member Jeff Vaughan attend the next regular Town Council meeting to discuss the property maintenance code. COMMUNITY SERVICE There was nothing to report during this period. PERSONNEL There was nothing to report during this period. There was nothing further to report during this period. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to come before Council during this period. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before Council during this period. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Town Manager Dovel reported some equipment repairs were needed at the sewer treatment plant, which are likely to be expensive. Also, there were issues with one customer not having water pressure when a new meter was installed. The matter will be repaired as quickly as possible, but may require cutting a curb and sidewalk.
MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Lucas stated Jim Allen of Rural Development informed him there is some grant funds/low interest loans available to localities for upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure. Following questions, Town Manager Dovel noted the capacity for water and sewer are very good at this point, but inflow and infiltration (I and I) continues to be a problem for the Town. He noted the I and I abatement problems were looked into before, but the Town did not have funding available. He also noted the Department of Environmental Quality sets mandates for localities to follow at their wastewater treatment plants and may set some new items when the Town’s permit is renewed next year. Capital improvement projects were discussed briefly and a special Town Council meeting was set for Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to discuss all capital improvement projects and possible ways to fund some of the most urgent needs. Mayor Lucas then noted many citizens are complaining about the new electric company serving the Town. Town Manager Dovel stated during a conference call, Shenandoah Valley Electric Company (SVEC) officials reported they are not sending electric power any different way than Allegheny Power did previously. He noted the Town is providing SVEC with a list of areas where the Town runs the sewer plant and wells. SVEC said these areas will be designated as high priority for restoration of services. FOR THE GOOD OF THE TOWN 1. Carol Lee Strickler reported there would be a fund raiser for the Page County SPCA on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the Wisteria Winery in Stanley. She noted tickets are $15 each and she has them available for sale to anyone wanting to attend. 2. Guy Monger, Jr. stated he was working on an item for Streets and Public Property, and should have information available for the Council by their September 28th Council Meeting. ADJOURN There being no further discussions, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
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